“Father God, please guide me as I write this article based on Your Word. Help me to write this to glorify You, and let Your words bring clarity to those who seek You. May Your truth help people discern and embrace correct beliefs. I pray and seek everything in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
As we struggle with our lives in the intense conditions of contemporary society, for most of us, among the top ten of our priority of life, a church never finds a place anymore.. We might just be disappointed with organized religion or may be even think we can get to God better on our own. But whatever the reason, it would be wise to acknowledge the depth of impact losing the church has on our spiritual life and how we practically live out life on the day to day.
In a world where individualism is often celebrated, it’s easy to forget that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. The Bible reminds us that “just as a body, though one, has many parts; but all of them belong to the whole body, so also is Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12). Just as our physical bodies are made up of various organs and limbs working together in harmony, our spiritual lives rely on the interconnectedness of believers.
When we lose church, we’re not just losing a building or a social gathering – we’re losing a vital source of spiritual nourishment. The church is where we come to be encouraged, corrected, and comforted by fellow believers who understand our struggles and triumphs (Hebrews 10:24-25). It’s where we find accountability, support, and a sense of belonging.
But the consequences of neglecting the importance of church go far beyond mere social connections. When we’re not plugged into a community of believers, we’re more likely to feel disconnected from God Himself. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that “God is in the midst of her; she will not be moved” (Isaiah 1:9), but how can we truly experience His presence when we’re not surrounded by others who are seeking Him just as fervently?
The lack of church involvement also has a profound impact on our personal lives. Without the guidance and wisdom of godly leaders, we’re more susceptible to the whims of the world (Matthew 7:15). We may find ourselves drifting away from biblical values and principles, compromising on matters that once seemed clear-cut.
Moreover, when we’re not part of a church family, we’re missing out on opportunities for growth and discipleship. The Bible commands us to “teach these things” to one another (Titus 2:3-4), but how can we effectively teach what we don’t know ourselves? We need each other, dear brothers and sisters – we need the wisdom of older believers, the encouragement of fellow strugglers, and the mentorship of experienced leaders.
But perhaps the most significant consequence of losing church is the erosion of our faith itself. When we’re not regularly worshiping with others, we’re more likely to grow complacent, apathetic, or even skeptical about our faith. The psalmist reminds us that “it is good for me to draw near to God” (Psalm 73:28), but how can we genuinely draw near when we’re disconnected from the body of Christ?
So what’s the solution? It’s not a commandment, nor should it be – but as believers, we recognize that church is not just a nice-to-have, but a necessary aspect of our spiritual lives. We need to prioritize community, fellowship, and discipleship.
It starts with a simple act: showing up. Yes, you read that right – simply showing up to worship services, small groups, or Bible studies can be a game-changer. You don’t have to be perfect; you don’t have to have it all together. Just be willing to listen, learn, and grow alongside others who are on the same journey.
As we recommit ourselves to the importance of church, we’ll find that our walk with God becomes more vibrant, more meaningful, and more authentic. We’ll discover new ways to serve, to give, and to love – not just as individuals, but as part of a larger body.
So let’s make a conscious effort to prioritize church in our lives. Let’s recognize the profound impact it has on our faith, our relationships, and our very souls. As we do, we’ll find that our faith becomes stronger, more resilient, and more effective – not just for ourselves, but for those around us.
As the apostle Paul so eloquently put it, “the body is not made up of one part but many” (1 Corinthians 12:14). Let’s celebrate our diversity, our unity, and our shared humanity as we seek to follow Jesus together – in church, with church, and through church.